Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits?

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, ¹  we try to persuade ²  people, ³  but we are well known ⁴  to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

Those who want to make a good showing in external matters ¹  are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so ²  only to avoid being persecuted ³  for the cross of Christ.

Because you have kept ¹  my admonition ²  to endure steadfastly, ³  I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

He said to his servant, ¹  “Come on, we will go into one of the other towns ²  and spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah.”

I thought to myself, ¹  “Come now, ²  I will try ³  self-indulgent pleasure ⁴  to see ⁵  if it is worthwhile.” ⁶  But I found ⁷  that it also is futile. ⁸ 

Do not rush out of the king’s presence in haste – do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, ¹  for he can do whatever he pleases.

The Lord said to me, ¹  “I have made you like a metal assayer to test my people like ore. ²  You are to observe them and evaluate how they behave.” ³ 

So now why are you putting God to the test ¹  by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke ²  that neither our ancestors ³  nor we have been able to bear?

when people lie about us, we answer in a friendly manner. We are the world’s dirt and scum, even now.

See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. ¹ 

Dear friends, do not be astonished ¹  that a trial by fire is occurring among you, ²  as though something strange were happening to you.

“How much less, ¹  then, can I answer him ²  and choose my words ³  to argue ⁴  with ⁵  him! ⁶ 

Does not the ear test words, as ¹  the tongue ²  tastes food? ³ 

“How long will you torment me ¹  and crush ²  me with your words? ³ 

If he flees from an iron weapon, then an arrow ¹  from a bronze bow pierces him.

I will not show partiality to anyone, ¹  nor will I confer a title ²  on any man.

For he says, ‘It does not profit a man when he makes his delight with God.’ ¹ 

“If you have ¹  understanding, listen to this, hear what I have to say. ²